ARSENE Wenger has signed a four-year extension to his current Arsenal contract, ending months of speculation about his future at the club.

The new deal means the Frenchman, who is in his sixth season at Highbury, will remain in charge of the Gunners until 2005.

Wenger's new deal was announced on the club's official website and a press conference has been called for later today.

News of Wenger's decision to sign an extension will come as a major relief to Gunners fans as the Frenchman had been touted as a possible successor to Sir Alex Ferguson when he steps down as Manchester United manager at the end of the current campaign.

Wenger, 52, joined Arsenal in September 1996 and guided the Gunners to a League and FA Cup Double in 1998, after which he signed a three-and-a-half year deal.

Wenger had just six months to run on his existing contract and his delay in agreeing a new deal prompted endless questions about his future.

But, on the back of victories over Manchester United in the Premiership and Juventus in the Champions League, Wenger has finally pledged his future to the Gunners.

Wenger has remained unflappable while the speculation raged about his future, insisting that his word is his honour and there was no need for Gunners fans to worry.

When Patrick Vieira questioned his Arsenal future in the summer, critics jumped on Wenger's reluctance to sign a new deal, suggesting he could hardly expect his players to commit their futures to Highbury when he had not.

But Wenger maintained that it was just a question of time and that time has arrived today.